To the surprise of virtually no one, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story has debuted at the top of the box office around the world, garnering an estimated $290 million. With a budget of $200 million, that means this first standalone segment in the near-forty-year-old franchise should be in profit some time this coming week. So while it may not have matched the opening weekend of The Force Awakens, you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone complaining.
What is surprising to virtually everyone is the fact that Collateral Beauty has turned out to be the lowest grossing debut in Will Smith's career, pulling in just $11.6 million around the world. Needless to say, the Force was not with him.
Also performing strongly was the limited release of Amazon's Manchester By The Sea, which has grossed $14 million so far.